Stab-type coupling

Abstract

An improved stab-type coupling of the type used for connecting an end portion of a smooth wall non-metallic pipe or tube to fittings or other pipes or tubes wherein the coupling body has a first end area including an internal recess adapted to receive the end portion of a smooth walled non-metallic pipe. An elongated hollow insert is disposed within the recess for receiving the pipe end portion axially thereover. At least a pipe gripping member is disposed within the recess in a radially spaced surrounding relationship with a portion of the insert to retainingly engage the pipe end portion as it is inserted axially therepast. The improvement comprises a closing structure associated with the body first end area for closing the recess and thereby protect the coupling interior. The closing structure accommodates selective removal of a portion thereof from the body to expose the recess prior to receipt of a pipe end portion thereinto. The accommodating portion may comprise any convenient arrangement such as a frangible zone, a designated cutting area and the like. The closing structure may be comprised of a separate, removable end cap. This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 518,391, filed July 29, 1983, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 251,776, filed Apr. 7, 1981, now abandoned.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed: 
     
       1. A tubing end closure which is adapted to be converted into a stab-type coupling comprising: a. an integral, plastic coupling body including: i. a first body portion having an interior surface which in part defines an insert receiving region therein,   ii. a second body portion having a frustoconical interior camming surface which in part defines the insert receiving region therein, the second body portion being integrally formed within the first body portion,   iii. a third body portion having an interior cylindrical, tubing engaging surface which in part defines the insert receiving region therein and which is dimensioned for frictionally engaging an exterior surface of a received tubing length received therein, the third body portion being integrally formed with the second body portion,   iv. a fourth body portion which in part defines the insert receiving region therein, the fourth body portion being integrally formed with the third body portion,   v. a fifth body portion including a closed end wall extending generally transverse to the first, second, third, and fourth body portions to define an end surface to the insert receiving region, the fifth body portion being integrally formed with the fourth body portion such that the insert receiving region is sealed from the atmosphere and blocked from receiving tubing therein by the end wall, and   vi. a cutting indicia circumscribing the coupling body adjacent the fourth body portion to denote a cutting line along which the fifth body portion can be cut off safely to remove the end wall and expose at least the third body portion tubing engaging surface to the atmosphere, whereby after the fifth body portion is severed the end closure is converted to the stab-type coupling and adapted to receive an end of a length of tubing therein;     b. an elongated hollow insert having a flanged portion disposed within the first body portion in the insert receiving region, an elongated longitudinal portion disposed within at least the first, second, and third body portions in the insert receiving region, the insert elongated portion extending from the flanged portion within the first body portion to an open outer end disposed within one of the third and fourth body portions, the insert elongated portion open outer end being disposed adjacent the fifth body portion and being dimensioned for tight frictional engagement within a received tubing length interior surface such that the fifth body portion both closes the fourth body portion to seal against the receipt of dirt therein and protects the insert open outer end;   c. a gripping collet means slidably received within the second body portion in the insert receiving region and surrounding the insert elongated portion, the gripping collet means being dimensioned for frictionally engaging a received tubing length exterior surface; and,   d. a seal disposed between the insert flanged portion and the gripping collet means such that axial movement of the insert is transmitted by the seal to the collet means camming the collet means against the conical surface.   
     
     
       2. A stab-type coupling for couplingly receiving a pipe end portion including: a one piece, integral body and end cap of synthetic plastic material, the body defining a hollow receiving region therein and a first end area cylindrical pipe engaging inner surface dimensioned for receiving the pipe end portion;   an elongated hollow insert separate from said body, disposed within said receiving region, and having an open outer end portion located adjacent said first end area cylindrical pipe engaging inner surface, said open outer end portion of said insert and at least a longitudinal portion of said insert being receivable within the pipe end portion when such pipe is inserted into said body end area inner surface for establishing fluid flow communication between said insert and the pipe;   gripping means disposed within said receiving region surrounding a portion of said insert in a radially spaced relationship with said body and insert and dimensioned for externally gripping the pipe end portion;   the end cap being unitary with said body first end area, said cap including an annular sidewall unitary with and extending axially outward from said body first end area and radially spaced from said insert and a unitary end wall disposed generally transverse of said cap sidewall axially spaced from said insert, said cap sidewall and end wall defining a cup-shaped cap recess in which said insert outer end portion is receivable, such that the cap performs dual functions of (i) closing said receiving region to seal the interior of said coupling from receiving ambient dirt therein and from discharging fluids therefrom and (ii) covering said insert outer end portion to protect said insert outer end portion; and,   a cutting line integrally formed peripherally around the cap sidewall axially outward from the insert outer end portion to mark a location at which the cap end wall can be cut off without damaging the insert outer end portion, whereby the coupling may be buried in the ground for an extended duration before the cap end wall is cut off and the pipe end portion is couplingly received therein without dirt entering the coupling, without gas or fluids conveyed thereto leaking, and without damage to the insert.